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Accelerated hair growth by combining thread monofilament and minoxidil in female androgenetic alopecia
Author(s) -
Khattab Fathia M.,
Bessar Hagar
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of cosmetic dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.626
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1473-2165
pISSN - 1473-2130
DOI - 10.1111/jocd.13228
Subject(s) - minoxidil , medicine , hair growth , dermatology , randomized controlled trial , hair loss , surgery , physiology
Background Monofilament thread therapy (PLLA) and minoxidil have been used as alternative treatments for female androgenetic alopecia. Aim The aim was to determine the efficacy and safety of thread therapy combined with minoxidil in female androgenetic alopecia. Patient and methods Twenty‐seven women were enrolled in this randomized half‐split study based on a left‐head to the right‐head pattern. Thread therapy (PLLA) treatment was unilaterally performed (once); minoxidil was bilaterally applied for 6 months. Global photographs and dermoscopy assessments were performed in the baseline and every 2 months till the end of treatment. Global photographs underwent blinded review by three independent dermatologists. Results Mean hair density increased from 114 ± 27 to 143 ± 25/cm 2 ( P < .001) in the combined group and from 113 ± 24 to 123 ± 19/cm 2 in the minoxidil group ( P < .001). The mean change from baseline between the two groups was also compared ( P = .003). Global photographs showed improvement in 93% (25/27) patients in the combined group and 52% (14/27) patients in the minoxidil group. Conclusion Poly‐l‐lactic acid microthread therapy combined with minoxidil may improve hair density, hair thickness, and hair appearance better than minoxidil alone.